The report stunned the West family. "Be more specific! Who surrounded us?" Lucius demanded.

"I don't know. Police, military… I think men from the Martial League!" the messenger stammered, fear evident in his voice.

Panic erupted. Lucius rose, stating firmly, "Access the villa's surveillance system. Let's see what's happening."

The West family villa was extensively monitored. Accessing the system revealed all. They gathered in the control room. The sight that greeted them widened their eyes.

The entire villa was encircled. Countless individuals filled the perimeter.

"Police officers! Commissioner himself is leading them!" someone exclaimed, pointing to the uniformed officers.

"Military! Which unit? Not the elite team from outside the city, surely?" another voice barked, identifying the military personnel.

"And… the Martial League branch headquarters! Victor Cain is there too! What's going on? Why are we surrounded?" The West family was terrified, utterly bewildered by the unfolding events.

Dustin's face darkened, then a smile played on his lips. The Winter family… one of the Seven Clans of Central Harbor. Their power and influence were unsurprising.

Outside, the leaders of the three groups met. Richard produced a mini-laptop. With a flick of his fingers, an image appeared—Margaret and Amara, in the Wyatt family villa in Rivenesco.

Advanced technology allowed the two women to observe and influence events in real-time. Richard bowed politely, addressing Margaret, "Ma'am, the West family villa is surrounded. Awaiting your instructions."

Margaret, the picture of a composed matriarch, remained impassive. "Allow no one to escape," she commanded coldly. "Yes, ma'am," came the immediate reply.

"Enter the villa. Convey a message to Dustin Fox. He has half an hour to provide the location of Bianca Winter and Elisa Wyatt. If no information is forthcoming, level the villa!"

Richard and Nathan nodded. They discussed who should deliver the message.

"Mr. Cain, a former Martial League member, Lannopolis' greatest fighter… best suited for this," Richard suggested, chuckling and patting his ample belly.

Nathan agreed. "Before we force him to reveal the ladies' location, we mustn't kill Dustin. Your skills ensure his capture, Mr. Cain."

Victor's face darkened. These shrewd strategists! Why not go themselves? Fear of injury?

"You overestimate me. I'm aging. I…" Victor attempted to refuse.

Richard immediately contacted Margaret via the laptop, advocating for Victor. Margaret and Amara, trusting Victor's abilities, agreed. "Victor, you'll lead the charge," Margaret declared.

Victor's face burned with anger, but he dared not disobey. Margaret's connections to the Martial League headquarters were too strong. He cursed silently and approached the West family villa.

Entering, he adopted a courteous demeanor. "Please inform Mr. Fox of my wish to speak with him," he said politely.